Mr. John "Tiny" Vanderbilt Andrews

Reverend John V. "Tiny” Andrews died peacefully June 5, 2015 at the age of 63. Johnnie is survived by his mother, Magdalene Lewis Andrews, daughter Ayana Dia Andrews, son Kobie’ Karee Andrews, one granddaughter Ayanah Monique Andrews, three sisters Asenath Andrews, Anita Alef (Walter) and Pandora Andrews along with a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews 2 maternal uncles Oddis Lewis Jr, Alvin Lewis Sr. 1 Paternal Uncle David Smith of Chicago Ill., 2 paternal aunts, Mary Lewis Chicago and Sadie King Memphis Tennessee. John was born on November 7, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan to Magdalene Lewis Andrews and John Andrews Sr. John Jr. graduated from Mumford High School in 1969 and earned his Bachelor of Science from Morgan State University in 1973. In that same year he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins as a defensive tackle. Never one to be satisfied with the status quo, he took the chance and went to play with the Birmingham Americans, of the then newly formed World Football League. After the demise of that league he joined the Detroit Lions. A knee injury forced him to retire from his career in professional football. He married his college girlfriend Diedre Talley and had 2 children who remember him as a kind, patient, gentle and loving father. John was accomplished at counseling and organizational planning. He worked for many years in residential settings with at risk youth. He also worked for a time with Boy Scouts of America and was very proud of being one of the first black scout leaders to take a delegation of troops to a month long experience in Australia. He was a gregarious, friendly and welcoming man who specialized in making people feel at home in his home or the homes of anyone else. He loved reading nonfiction, was an avid Coltrane, Last Poets and Gil Scott Herron listener. John accepted Christ as his savior at an early age and was baptized by his grandfather, Oddis Lewis Sr. the founding pastor of the Second New Hope Baptist Church. John was called to the ministry and was passionate about preparing to teach the Second New Hope Men’s Sunday School and would regularly enlist the consultation of both uncles and colleagues in other states. Did John-Johnnie-Tiny-Mr. Andrews, change the world and leave it a better place for his having been here? Ask the many boys, now men whom he mentored, guided, and helped redirect their lives. Ask his fellow Mumfordites whose friendships he nurtured and maintained until death. Ask his teammates and friends from both College and seminary. Ask his children, sisters, family and friends. Ask the recipient of his corneas. A giver even in death John V. Andrews’ memory will be cherished. The family would like to thank Providence Hospital Cardiovascular ICU staff for their extraordinary care and compassion. Special thanks to Pastor Eric and Leading Lady Odetta Burr, the Second New Hope Family for all of the acts of kindness, caring and support during this time of sorrow. Please keep us in your prayers.

Mr. John "Tiny" Vanderbilt Andrews

November 7, 1951 - June 5, 2015